Sony unveils surround sound system for PlayStation 3

Behold the first Sony-branded surround system designed specifically for your console. It takes little space and yet delivers sound quality expected from a traditional home theater system. Someone at Sony must have realized that PlayStation 3 is an excellent home theater device.

Designed for plug-and-play functionality, the surround system connects to your console via the included optical digital cable that lets you enjoy the latest games, Blu-ray movies, as well as 3D content. An additional analog input allows you to hook up your PSP or other devices to the system.

The PlayStation maker said that SCE’s expert sound designers participated in the development, boasting the fact that the system is capable of reproducing a wide range of sounds with high fidelity over one front speaker, thanks to their sound processing invention dubbed S-Force PRO Front Surround Sound.

The Sony CECH-ZVS1 supports Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG-2 AAC, and Linear PCM (2 channel) formats and features standard and stereo modes, in addition to vivid and dynamic presets which enhance the surround sound channel and a wide range of tones, respectively.

Late-night gamers will appreciate the night mode which lets you hear the dialog and game effects at low volume levels. There’s also the dialog mode that boosts narration. Greenpeace will love the fact that the Sony CECH-ZVS1 automatically enters standby mode when there is no audio output for 30 minutes.

The surround system will go on sale this Fall for the suggested retail price of $199 in the US, €199 in the European PAL territories, and 19,800 yen (including tax) in Japan, Sony said. The remote control, 2.5m optical digital cable, and AC adaptor are included in the price.